Join Keep Oklahoma Beautiful for a Night of Excellence
Oklahoma City, OK (PRWEB) October 24, 2013 -- Keep Oklahoma Beautiful (KOB) will hold its 23rd Annual Environmental Excellence Awards Celebration on Tuesday, November 19th at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City.
During the fundraiser, KOB will honor finalists and announce the winners of the Environmental Excellence Competition they host each year. With more than 500 guests expected to attend, this event is sure to be an unforgettable evening.
Awards will be presented in several categories, some chosen by a panel of judges and some chosen through social media. Five distinguished Board of Director awards are given annually recognizing major environmental efforts over the last year by individuals, communities, and corporations.
The prestigious Visionary Leadership award will be given to Governor Mary Fallin. KOB’s Board will be recognizing Governor Fallin's efforts in tandem with Governor John Hickenlooper, Governor of Colorado. Together they developed a multi-state CNG initiative to have more CNG vehicles made and purchased for state use. By doing so the initiative will create more jobs while using American-made energy instead of relying on foreign oil sources. The KOB Board is excited to recognize our state's Governor for this effort.
Another board commendation award will go to Serve Moore, an organization made up of local churches and community groups combining their efforts to assist residents impacted by the May tornadoes. Serve Moore has registered 40,000+ volunteers from May 20 – August alone. Working hundreds of locations, with hundreds of volunteers, this organization, along with the City of Moore, has removed 118,000 tons of debris through July 1.
KOB will be awarding Serve Moore with the Towering Spirit award. This award is given to a person, program, business or organization that upholds KOB’s mission in a unique way, garnering public acclaim and that’s gained far-reaching impact.
KOB’s Projects Coordinator Jordan Scott expanded on Serve Moore and other award nominees.
“We’re thrilled to have Serve Moore among our award winners this year,” Scott said. “It’s going to be an very inspirational night. Each award winner and finalist has been doing things to keep Oklahoma beautiful- that’s something we can all stand behind.”
KOB recognizes that volunteers are not paid -- not because they’re worthless, but because they’re priceless. Buzz McDonald of Warren CAT meets the definition of that volunteer. Volunteering for numerous organizations throughout the state, from Quail Forever to OSU to the Conservation Coalition, just to name a few, McDonald’s efforts haven’t gone unnoticed. KOB is proud to award him with the Champion Volunteer of the year.
The Lifetime Achievement Award will go to founder of the Ardmore Beautification Council (a KOB Affiliate) Norma Lynne Paschall. Her impact across southern Oklahoma has enticed so many others and as she steps into retirement, KOB is thrilled to recognize her dedication to the state.
The last board commendation award will go to Apache Corporation for their Community & Neighborhood Giving Program. Their Tulsa-based operations helped area nonprofits convert their vehicles to CNG at no cost to the groups. Apache employees have been giving back to Oklahoma communities for more than 50 years – an effort that gains them the Vanguard Award from KOB.
Awards finalists in several additional categories will be recognized on that special evening, as well. Ranging in area of concentration and different classifications, KOB will be appreciating the work of numerous groups and individuals. From elementary aged children, to tribal government programs, this awards banquet truly is a celebration of excellence happening all over the state in every capacity.
To see if you know a finalist, please follow this link:
http://www.keepoklahomabeautiful.com/2013-environmental-excellence-finalists-announced.
As KOB’s single fundraising event, funds raised will go to bettering the wide range of programs KOB provides to help enhance the natural beauty of Oklahoma. Items up for grabs include a $500 Mathis Brothers gift certificate, tickets to Disney World, a two-day “Casino Night” getaway package, and an autographed Thunder basketball just to name a few.
Tickets to attend the event can be purchased online through KOB’s website. The event will begin with a reception and fundraiser at 5:30 pm. The dinner and awards presentation will follow.
Keep Oklahoma Beautiful’s mission is to empower Oklahoma citizens to preserve and enhance the state's natural beauty and ensure a healthy, sustainable environment.
For more information regarding the fundraiser and awards celebration, please visit: http://www.keepoklahomabeautiful.com.
Megan Moran, Keep Oklahoma Beautiful, +1 (405) 286-9141, [email protected]
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